QuestionsHow to growFlowersBorder Perennial FlowersDicksonia Tree fern dead? 0 Vote Up Vote Down Geraldine Merrick asked 14 years ago My three year old tree fern is not producing fronds. The crown is not mushy or black and I am keeping it moist. how can I tell if it is dead and is there anything I can do to help it recover? 1 Answers 0 Vote Up Vote Down Gerry Daly Staff answered 7 years ago Many tree ferns have been killed, there should be signs of growth by now, but wait a while longer. Mushy in the centre is a bad sign.